Government restores the provision of 'ration in kind' to military officers in peace areas

The government has restored the provision of 'ration in kind' to military officers in peace areas, a defence official said on Tuesday. Sources said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had personally intervened and cleared the proposal.

Welfare of the armed forces have been one of the top priorities of Mr Singh and he has very clearly conveyed it to the senior officials of the Defence Ministry, sources added.

"Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, today announced (Tuesday) the restoration of the 'ration in kind' for the officers of the three Armed Forces posted in peace areas.

"Now all officers of the Armed Forces including those in peace stations will be getting ration. A lot of effort from all levels in the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces has resulted in this restoration," the Defence Ministry said in a statement. 

The facility was withdrawn by the government in 2017 after the implementation of the seventh pay commission. The provision for the officers, however, continued in the field area. The facility of 'ration in kind' also continued for jawans and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs). 

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The defence officers in peace areas were paid Rs. 96 as 'ration money allowance' instead of the ration. The money was directly credited to their account. 

There was also a demand to raise the ration money allowance but that did not happen. 

The decision to withdraw the provision of 'ration in kind' had met with criticism from several quarters within the three services of the armed forces.

There was also a strong demand to rescind the decision that had further increased the wedge between bureaucracy and military. The suspension of ration in kind had also created administrative difficulties.

Last month, a letter issued by Quarter General Branch of the Army stated that serving and retired officers of the Indian defence forces will not be able to buy cars above Rs. 12 lakh from the subsidised CSD (Canteen Stores Department) from June 1, as per new rules.

Only vehicles with engine capacity up to 2,500 CC and costing up to Rs. 12 lakh (excluding GST) will be available through CSD, the order stated.